New signs in Daytona Beach to discourage people from giving money to panhandlers

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — New signs are set to debut at several Daytona Beach intersections to discourage people from giving money to the homeless.

It’s part of the city’s effort to crack down on panhandling.

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The signs will include QR codes that will take people straight to the city’s website with information about donating to city services and shelters instead of to panhandlers.

City officials said at several busy intersections there is a constant presence of panhandlers, which they say is not safe for drivers or the homeless.

Read: Understanding panhandling: Study shows struggles, needs of downtown Orlando’s panhandlers

But some people, like Richard Mason, who is experiencing homelessness, said he’s worried these new signs will stop people from helping those who have no other option.

“If that happens there will be a lot of people that won’t get anything and they’ll go hungry,” he said.

Learn more about the program in the video above.

Read: What’s new with former Macy’s in Daytona Beach

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